Our vision for the Music at Parkhall Integrated College is to give students the skills and knowledge to be able to be lifelong Musicians, with an appreciation for a wide range of music and styles, and to be able to have the space and time to develop their creativity.
All students study music in key stage 3 through a comprehensive programme of study focused around performance, composing and listening. In each year group, the curriculum focus is below:
Year 8:
Rhythm, Pulse and Percussion
Music Theory
Performance Skills 1 - Percussion
Year 9:
The Elements of Music
Hooks and Riffs in Pop Music
Performance Skills 2 - Keyboard
Composing with GarageBand – Using and creating Loops
Year 10:
Film Music
Pop Music through the ages
Careers in the Music Industry
Composing with GarageBand – Music for Film
Music is offered at key stage 4 at GCSE level. Three key areas are assessed at GCSE level:
Each component is linked to the 4 topic areas:
Students are encouraged to extend their abilities by taking part in extra-curricular activities such as the choir, orchestra and forming their own musical ensembles. These meet on a weekly basis after school and take part at all major functions throughout the academic year.
All students are given the opportunity to receive instrumental tuition at an additional cost. Lessons are provided by peripatetic staff who come into school every week. Students receiving lessons are encouraged to do external exams.
We are very proud of the many students who have had exam success through Rock School, Trinity and ABSRM exam boards.
The Music department has strong links with the Ulster Orchestra where students will attend open rehearsals with the orchestra and small groups from the orchestra will perform concerts at school. We recognise the need for students to view their learning in a professional context.
Parkhall Integrated College Vision Statement
